East Hartford superintendent outlines 2026 legislative priorities, urges student-centered funding

The district superintendent told the East Hartford Board of Education on Jan. 12 that the districtis pressing lawmakers to adopt a student-centered funding system that aligns state resources with student needs, reduce the burden of court-mandated magnet tuition on local budgets and fully fund special-education excess cost grants.

"Our current funding structure does not fully match the needs of our students and long-term solutions are required to ensure stability and equity for our community," the superintendent said, laying out three core components: student-based funding to replace property-based disparities; state assumption of magnet school tuition; and predictable, modernized special-education excess-cost grants.

The presentation, part of the districts 2026 legislative priorities, also called for expanded access to preschool for 4-year-olds, statewide strategies to recruit and retain educators, and meaningful mandate relief so districts can focus on instruction rather than unfunded compliance. The superintendent said the priorities reflect East Hartfords local realities and that the district stands with about 20 similar Connecticut districts serving multilingual learners, students with disabilities and families facing economic hardship.

Board members asked whether schedules for public testimony would be shared; the superintendent said she would distribute that information when available and noted the districts legislative team is preparing to engage with hearings.

The board will consider the full priorities document, which the superintendent said would be shared with members in the coming days.